Newbury, England: The final countdown to the 2015 running of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR), the richest and most significant all-Arabian race day, which is staged at Newbury Racecourse in England, has begun.
The eight-race spectacular, which has been designed to cater to all levels of Purebred Arabian racing and is highlighted by three Group 1 contests, also boasts unprecedented sponsorship support, top class family entertainment and exciting competitions.
Created in 1982 by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who is renowned for his passion and backing of Arabian racing, the latest edition of the DIAR will take place on Sunday at the historic Berkshire track.
Speaking at a press conference at the venue on Tuesday, Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office, said: “The Dubai International Arabian Races now extends to many countries beyond the UK, but the Newbury raceday remains very special to His Highness Shaikh Hamdan.
“The quality of the racing is superb and it has provided the inspiration for many of the other events staged under the banner of the Dubai International Arabian Races around the world.
“His Highness Shaikh Hamdan is looking forward to supporting the event with runners in what we expect to be a competitive renewal, which has attracted some of Europe’s best Purebred Arabians.
“Shaikh Hamdan also thanks all the sponsors who have cooperated with us over the years and for their continuous support.
“He sends a special thank you to Newbury Racecourse, which has long-since established itself as home for the Dubai International Arabian Races, and congratulates them for putting on an event that shows to the world the successful business of sports management.”
Julian Thick, Newbury Racecourse CEO, added: “It’s great to see the family back in town!
“We thank Shaikh Hamdan, who has been a great supporter of Arabian racing and Newbury Racecourse. We are looking forward to welcoming the Arabian racing community to Newbury on Sunday and we are hopeful that, with good weather and the offer of free admission, there will be a strong local crowd.
“The event has moved around our calendar in recent years, but now that it has returned to its traditional successful slot on the fourth Sunday in July, we are looking forward to building on the excitement that the fixture generates in the local area as a family event that should not be missed.”
The Dubai International Arabian Races has benefited from the enthusiastic support of the UAE’s most respected sports promoters, including Emirates airline, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Equestrian Federation, Emirates NBD, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Rotana Hotels, and also Shadwell Stud and the National Academy of Indian Payroll.
Also present at the press conference were Richard Lancaster, Shadwell Stud Director, Abdullah Al Ansari, Chairman of the Organiser’s Panel, Shareef Al Halawani, Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, Salah Talak of Dubai Duty Free (DDF) and Amanda Smith of the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO).
